35-4 The interconnectedness of languages, rivers, and forests

CSQ 35.4 (December 2011) The interconnectedness of languages, rivers, and forests

A Time for Change, Celebration, and Reflection

“Yá'át'ééh” Greetings!Hello friends and readers.In this issue of Cultural Survival Quarterly, there is much to be celebrated. Aboriginal artist Richard Bell invites us into his colorful and provocative world of visual art; Indigenous flautist Hawk Henries reminds us of the peace music can bring; the Mayan calendar is explored; the strength and determination of three women ensure that the…

Reclaiming Aborigeneity: Richard Bell

Aboriginal Australian artist Richard Bell’s artwork has been labeled “provocative,” “uncompromising,” and “controversial” for bringing race politics into the mainstream, however, Bell sees himself as “more activist than artist.” “I’m just being matter of fact,” he says. “I recognize some people find [my work] contentious, and that my paintings attract controversy. This response has nothing to do…

Awakening a Sleeping Language on Cape Cod: The Wampanoag Language Reclamation Project

How can a dream inspire an entire nation’s language revitalization movement? If you ask jessie little doe baird of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe that question, she is quick to explain how in one of her dreams, her ancestors told her to “ask Wampanoag people if they would like language home again,” so in 1993, baird met with tribal elders, leaders, and community members who transformed her dreams…

Voice of Conscience: Mick Dodson’s Place Amidst Australia’s Unfinished Business

Mick Dodson has held wide-ranging positions since becoming the first Indigenous Australian to receive a law degree in 1974, most recently serving as Reconciliation Australia’s co-chair and Pacific region representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. He directs the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at Australian National University, and is currently a visiting professor…